Luxman L505u . . . why not?

Jimbo, thanks for taking the time to write that. Your opinions are just as valid to me as from any on here.

I've only heard the Leben with the new Zu Essence. And while as good as it was, it may not have been the best matchup. I think the Zu's needed more power to control the bass. That being said, the mids were very lifelike, so voices were beginning to take on that elusive quality we look for. The highs were fine, not harsh, yet with the new Zu ribbon tweeter I can't really comment, I haven't heard a ribbon tweeter in years. It was nonfatiguing, however.

I hope to hear the Leben soon with a smaller, high efficient speaker. I'm not sure if I'd describe it as "modern" sounding, though. Mr Hyodo isn't exactly young!
And the Leben is far better known and popular in other countries than the States. They seem like great products, so I hope they catch on. It's also nice to see the rebirth of the Luxmans here. They had a tough time from their past distributors.

It sounds like you have an amp that matches your speakers well, at least for your tastes, so you should be very happy. I laughed, for I vaguely remember your speakers, and I always thought they were bright! So, one could speculate the Leben was only showing that to be true, and the Luxman works because it's warmer?
Thanks again
Chas

Hi Chashas1: Unfortunately I haven't heard the Leben with my own speakers (Yamaha NS1000X + B&W 805N), just at the shop through icky Diatones.

But I did compare the Leben against my own amp, and in that comparison the Leben's highs were slightly harsh and fatiguing, while the Luxman's were not. This tells me that the Leben would probably still be more harsh with my other components compared to the Luxman.

Yes, my Yammies are bright, but crystal clear and superior to us to all other top-end speakers we've heard, except Quad ESL 989's, which are something entirely different. As you said, the warmth of my Luxman amp, but also the soft, absorbing room they are in, probably does a lot to balance the hard tendency of the Yammies. I imagine I might not like them as much in a hard room.

I doubt whether Mr. Hyodo's age restricts him in any way to design amps that are in keeping with older sound style. He is obviously quite competent, and able to follow (or lead, rather) modern sound trends. I agreed with the main guy in the shop that the Leben style sounded more like a Prima luna (but MUCH better!) in style than like an old-style tube amp.

I'm going back to the shop today to borrow another amp while I send my beloved Luxman 507 off to the amp hospital for a general check-up and possible minor surgery. Have to keep the old lady healthy!

Hey Nolitan, I have heard both the LFD and the Luxman. The LFD was driving Harbeth speakers and sounded rich and detailed. I remember hearing the texture of the strings in an orchestral piece. I only listened to the LFD once, at a dealer's house, but that was my impression. What drove me to purchase the Luxman was the added features (you can see what I wanted in an amp at the top--I'm the one who initiated this thread). The LFD is pretty bare bones. Fortunately, I've found that the Luxman has a similar sound: rich, warm, yet detailed, but produces a bit more punch. I listen through Vandersteens, and the Luxman has shown me that when properly driven they can be fast and lively without losing their musicalty. Needless to say, I'm very happy with my L-505u

Hi Jim, yes, definitely give that Luxman some love.

I do disagree with this conclusion, though..
But I did compare the Leben against my own amp, and in that comparison the Leben's highs were slightly harsh and fatiguing, while the Luxman's were not. This tells me that the Leben would probably still be more harsh with my other components compared to the Luxman.

Jim, not necessarily so. You compared but with only one set up speakers. As I said, the Leben could be showing the truth of the speaker, the Luxman masking. Or it could be a simple matter of choice of cable.

Not that you sound like you want or need to get rid of the Luxman( heavens forbid) but if you were searching you might try the Leben in a different setup..

What I was trying to say about Mr Hyodo was that he's been around since the early days of hifi, not that his designs were lagging. From what I've heard, hardly. :)

Get that amp fixed!
Take care
Chas

Hi Rosedanny,

nice comparo between the lfd and luxman.
considering they are priced about the same.
I'll seriously look into the luxman when i get the chance.
thank you for sharing the experience.

cheers.
Noli